December 31, 2025 - Isaiah 50 & 53

Two “Servant Songs” remain for Isaiah.  In chapter 50, the Servant is described as one who strengthens his people by his faithful teaching and is oppressed by his enemies.  The reader is invited to trust in this servant:  “Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God” (50:10).  The last of the Songs further clarifies why the sinner should place his trust in this Servant:  “He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows . . . He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (53:4-6).  Furthermore, because of him we are accounted righteous, he has borne our sins, and he makes intercession for us (53:11-12).

Hear Spurgeon as he preached to his people:  “Possibly a murmur will pass round the congregation, ‘This is a dreary subject and a mournful theme.’  But O beloved, it is not so, for great as were the woes of our Redeemer, they are all over now and are to be looked back upon with sacred triumph. However severe the struggle, the victory has been won. The laboring vessel was severely tossed by the waves, but she has now entered into the desired haven.  Our Savior is no longer in Gethsemane agonizing or upon the cross expiring. The crown of thorns has been replaced by many crowns of sovereignty. The nails and the spear have given way to the sceptre. Nor is this all, for though the suffering is ended, the blessed results never end.”  With all its travails and challenges, the year has been a good one because of Him!

Man of sorrows what a name

for the Son of God, who came

ruined sinners to reclaim:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

in my place condemned he stood,

sealed my pardon with his blood:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!   -- P. P. Bliss (1875)